NYC – What does the Queens based non-profit agency Windows of Opportunity have in common with Reveal, BCBG Max Azria Group, Manhattan Mini Storage, Pinkyotto, Maybelline New York, Garnier Fructis, Conde Nast Media Group, Ports 1961, Olay, Mary Kay, Lafayette 148 New York, MaxDelivery.com, Michael Antonio Footwear Group, Taylor’s Closet, Starbucks, and the Korean American Community Foundation? They all stepped up and provided time, resources and funding in support of Reveal’s 6th Annual Valentine’s Makeover Event.
- Miryam Oquendo and Jennifer Cali – Dedicated Make Up Artist and Hair Stylist of Windows of Opportunity, Inc.
Some 60 women living within safe houses and shelters across New York City were in the center spotlight during Reveal’s 6th Annual Valentine’s Day Makeover event on February 11, 2012. Along with close to 100 volunteers from the beauty and fashion industries Reveal worked to provide the women – all survivors of domestic abuse – complimentary makeovers, along with fashion advice and gifts of new clothes and accessories. Shelter and safe house partners included Safe Horizon, Restore NYC, New York Asian Women’s Center and the Korean American Family Service Center.
A few days prior to the event, Executive Director of Windows of Opportunity, Hal Eisenberg met Kendra Chao, President of Reveal by chance at a network training conducted by New York Cares and Google. When Eisenberg explained his vision of Windows of Opportunity and spoke in particular about Shortstack, a modeling program that inspires and increases self-esteem in young ladies who don’t fit industry standards, Chao saw an opportunity. Once learning about Reveal’s mission and their need for hair and makeup artists, Eisenberg immediately reached out to his team of volunteers.
“I was worried that it was going to be too short notice as I literally met Kendra 9 days before her event”, stated Eisenberg. “…but I forget how dedicated my team is to making a difference to all of society.” An email went out later that evening to his team of makeup volunteers about Reveal’s event and it seemed that was all that was needed. They cleared their schedules and made sure they could be available to support women around NYC.
Phoenix Makeup Productions (www.phoenixmakeupproductions.com) is the lead makeup company for the Shortstack program. Phoenix director, Christina Morgan stated, “It was truly an amazing experience. The affects of abuse are real and are often not visible to the naked eye. An event like this was both rewarding and empowering not just to the women being serviced but to the Phoenix team as well. We look forward to working with Reveal again and commend their mission.”
“This makeover event touched the heart of every woman who attended,” said Lovasia Anderson, Safe Horizon domestic violence shelter administration coordinator. “These women had never experienced what most women take for granted – a skin care assessment, hair styling, manicure, and new clothing.” In addition to makeovers, the women received designer clothing, accessories and beauty products. A professional photographer was also on hand to capture the transformation through a photo shoot.
“It was moving to see these women transform both externally and internally,” said Kendra Chao, president of Reveal. “A lot of what we, the general public, take for granted in life these women have never experienced prior to our Makeover Event. We are honored to celebrate the beauty and dignity of women healing from domestic abuse. In addition, our supporters and volunteers were extremely generous this year. We are excited to build upon this momentum and serve even more women through next year’s event.”
- All the make-up artists and hair stylists who volunteered at Reveal’s event.
Former Shortstack model, turned professional make-up artist, Miryam Oquendo was honored to lend her skills to the event. “I felt so honored to be a part of this event,” stated Oquendo. “Everyone there had such a good spirit just like the Shortstack program and their models! I was thrilled to take the empowerment I gained through being a part of Shortstack and pay it forward. The best part was seeing the women look at themselves in the mirror and instantly their whole face would light up with joy, it was AMAZING!”
Jennifer Cali, who has been doing hair and makeup for multiple Shortstack photo shoots and shows for the past two years, stated “It was such a great experience to see amazing people and sponsors give these special women a day of beauty! I was honored to be part of it. They all left with their heads high, feeling and looking great. Reveal did a truly beautiful thing.” That they sure did.
For additional information on Reveal, visit www.revealnyc.org.
To learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact revealnyc@gmail.com.
For additional information on Shortstack, visit www.wooshortstack.org.
To learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Hal@eisenbergacdmy.wpengine.com
About Reveal
Reveal is a New York City-based movement that fosters uplifting experiences for women healing from domestic violence. Created in 2007, the organization partners with professionals and corporations within the fashion, beauty and health industry to restore dignity, reinforce love and celebrate beauty through monthly workshops and an annual makeover event. Through these two program activities, more than 100 women in the city are served annually.
About Shortstack
Shortstack™ is a teen driven fashion and modeling program. Its goal is to allow young girls who do not fit the “normal” model standards to be a part of charitable fashion events. For years, girls have been rejected from the modeling industry because they are too short. Shortstack was created by teens under the guidance of Windows of Opportunity, Inc. to give these “short” girls a chance at achieving their dreams as models and empower them to love themselves for who they are.